Pennsylvania Registration Renewal: How It’s Done

Pennsylvania Registration Renewal

The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles dictates drivers must renew their registration (typically) every year. Forgoing renewal may cause license suspension, late fees, and/or penalties.

You will receive a renewal notice sharing the renewal details and due date. Pennsylvania drivers will need emissions and/or safety inspections at the time of the renewal, too.

You cannot renew if:

  • License suspended or revoked
  • Registration expired more than 6 months
  • Failed to get an inspection within 12 months

You print your registration document if you renew online. A card is not sent to you. However, when renewing by mail, you receive a registration card in the mail within 10 days. You have 6 months past the expiration date to renew.

Car registration renewal in PA is available:

  • In-person
  • Online
  • By Mail

This re-registration does not apply to new out-of-state drivers requiring initial registration. They must go to a local office to complete this registration – setting them on track for PA renewal thereafter.

What’s Needed Before Re-Registering

Collect the following before visiting a local PA DMV office:

  1. Vehicle renewal notice or:
    1. Registration (plate) number
    2. Registration class
    3. Last name on the registration
    4. Complete the Request for Registration (MV-140) form if you didn’t receive a renewal notice
  2. Vehicle insurance
  3. Vehicle inspection certificate

NOTE: Your personal information (name, address) must be current before the transaction as you cannot change it during renewal – it will present you with or your old name/address. You may need to amend this when processing a duplicate title.

Renewal fees are paid at the time of renewal and vary by county and vehicle type. You will need a valid debit or credit card to process these payments. Or, a check/money order when renewing by mail or in person.

How to Renew Your Pennsylvania Registration

Vehicle re-registration carries mostly similar processes as the initial registration. You’ll breeze through the renewal given you have the necessary documents if you’re familiar with the process.

Typical fees for registration renewal are $37. Other vehicle registration fees vary by weight.

Renewing Online

Renewing online is the easiest option:

  1. Visit Pennsylvania’s Online Services Login
  2. Fill in your Title Number
  3. Fill in your Plate Number
  4. Share proof of car insurance and inspection certification
  5. Confirm the details and pay the renewal fee

Renewing In-Person

Take a trip to the local DMV with these items:

  1. Renewal notice
    1. Or: Request for Registration (MV-140)
  2. Proof of auto insurance
  3. Safety/emission inspection (where valid)
  4. Funds for the registration renewal fee

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is available but slower so it’s best to send early – you’ll include:

  1. Registration renewal notice
    1. Or: MV-140 application
  2. Copy of auto insurance
  3. The inspection certificate(s)
  4. Payment method (check or money order)

Send the documents to:

Bureau of Motor Vehicles

1101 South Front Street

Harrisburg, PA 17104

You should receive your registration card within 10 days.